The third book covering the story of former Ole Miss football standout Michael Oher may well be the most inspirational, Editor Don Whitten writes. Oher, who has combined with best-selling author Don Yaeger to give his side of the story in “I Beat The Odds – From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond,” will be at Off-Square Books on Tuesday to sign copies of the just-released book. (February 14, 2011, Page 4A)

Sometimes we need an outsider, a visitor to our community, to remind us how special it is. Loran Smith, who’s held a number of positions at the University of Georgia during a career thats earned him a spot in the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, gives us one of those reminders in a guest column he wrote after another delightful visit recently. (February 4, 2011, Page 4A)

Have you got your tricks and treats set up for Sunday evening? Editor Don Whitten passes out some early tricks and treats, but not the kind you’ll be handing out on Halloween. Some get treats for what they’re doing, while others are given tricks. (October 28, 2010, Page 4)

Franklin L. Foster writes to tell of his party’s experience as visiting fans from Kentucky for the recent Ole Miss-Kentucky football game. Foster praised the community for its friendliness and cleanliness. (October 14, 2010, Page 4)

George McConnell, one of Oxford’s best-known musicians, is into a different rhythm these days as he’s involved in music, family and working at The 512 bed-and-breakfast. Lucy Schultze visits with McConnell to discuss his involvement with the local bed-and-breakfast and how if affects the rest of his interests. (September 30, 2010, Page 3)

Curt Kennedy writes to suggest that the mascot for Ole Miss athletic teams be a horse named Rebel. He points out the positive qualities of the animal and notes that it could be a back-to-the-future type thing since a horse was on the field for a UM football game some 37 years ago. (August 20, 2010, Page 4A)

News Editor Jonathan Scott wishes everyone a Happy New Year, and then proceeds to explain that many of us look at August and the start of school as the beginning of the year more so than January. He points out the changes locally at this time as students return to town for classes at Ole Miss and writes that we all need to be ready for the start of a new year. (August 19, 2010, Page 4)

Did you know that the Constitution does not require the person elected as Speaker of the House to be an elected U.S. Representative. Editor Don Whitten, who learned that bit of info earlier this week, takes a look at the possibilities of someone else – he suggests UM professors John Winkle and Ron Rychlak – taking Nancy Pelosi’s position of power. (July 23, 2010, Page 4A)

The annual Best of Oxford winners’ section published by The Oxford EAGLE is scheduled to be in Friday’s paper. Editor Don Whitten writes about some of the trends and highlights of this year’s voting as he thanks readers for taking part in the annual survey/poll that’s very popular with advertisers and readers. (June 3, 2010, Page 4)

Have you noticed the shorter lines – at stores, restaurants, four-way stops, et cetera these last few days. It’s that special time of the year when the University of Mississippi population drops for a couple of weeks and yet the local school children are still in class. It’s not something we’d want permanently, Editor Don Whitten writes, but it is a time to enjoy. (May 12, 2010, Page 4)